Clash over learning support coordinators

Principals across the country have until the end of the week to decide whether to boycott the recruitment of learning support coordinators for children with special needs at around 1000 schools preparing to welcome them. It follows concerns raised by some schools and the New Zealand Educational Institute that the new roles had been poorly distributed by the Ministry of Education. Martyn Weatherill is a Principal of Laingholm School in West Auckland, and member of the NZEI 's Principals Council. Leanne Otene, is the Principal of Manaia View School in Whangarei and executive member of Te Tai Tokerau Principals' Association. She says the Far North has missed out altogether from the new roles.